Participants in the Preserving Paradise program — a collaborative water quality education initiative for regional business and community leaders — recently took to the water for an immersive tour and fishing experience in the Caloosahatchee Estuary.
Now in its second year, Preserving Paradise is a joint effort by Captains for Clean Water, the SanCap Chamber, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), and The Everglades Foundation. The program aims to deepen understanding of Southwest Florida’s delicate ecosystems and inspire stewardship among influential community members.
On the Water: Learning by Experience
During the program’s fifth session on October 7, participants gathered at Port Sanibel before heading out with local fishing guides. Experts from each partnering organization joined the boats, offering hands-on learning about the estuary’s ecology — from native fish species and their habitats to the water quality challenges that threaten their survival.
“Building passionate advocacy starts with building personal relationships with the resources that we are fighting to protect,” said Matt DePaolis, SCCF’s Environmental Policy Director. “Getting out on the water allows us all to take a moment to remember how special our slice of paradise is, and why it is worth saving.”
Connecting Leaders with Conservation
The Preserving Paradise program engages more than 20 business and organizational leaders who meet biweekly to explore key aspects of the region’s natural environment. Each session combines scientific insight, field experience, and peer collaboration, helping participants understand how clean water impacts both the environment and local economies.
The initiative’s ultimate goal is to foster environmental literacy, advocacy, and leadership among those shaping Southwest Florida’s future.
The program will conclude with one final session later this season.
For more information about Preserving Paradise or to learn how to get involved, visit sanibel-captiva.org/preserving-paradise.
